Refurbished wood shelving and ornate terra cotta, have you noticed? This is the Presidio Branch Library. It is more than just a repository of books. It is a landmark with a rich history.
Established in 1898, the Presidio Branch Library stands as the sixth branch of the San Francisco Public Library system. The library serves 815,200 residents in San Francisco. It is a vital part of the community. The Library System holds 2.7 million volumes. It circulates 10.6 million items each year.
Completed in 1921, this Italian-Renaissance-style building was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh. The Presidio Branch Library was built with $83,228 in Carnegie funds. It’s the last and largest of seven Carnegie Branch Libraries in San Francisco. All seven still operate as libraries today.
Inside, find fiction and nonfiction books. The library also has periodicals and audiovisual materials. Reference materials are available too. Small collections of Chinese and Russian resources cater to diverse communities. The Presidio Branch Library also offers Storytime. There is Tai Chi and Health & Wellness programs. Other library events and services enrich the community.
Richard Brautigan immortalized this branch in his 1970 novel. It is titled “The Abortion: An Historical Romance.” In his novel, the library becomes a haven for unpublished manuscripts.
A major renovation was completed in March 2011. The renovation cost $4.1 million. Field Paoli and Joseph Chow & Associates were the architects. Page and Turnbull, Inc., served as historic preservation consultants. The project focused on preserving the building’s historic character. The library now includes accessible restrooms. It also has improved lighting and power. Exterior stairs were repaired. The exterior façade’s brick and terra cotta were restored. There is more stroller parking now. The downstairs program room was improved. A new retaining wall was installed. A new 24-hour book return is installed in the sidewalk.
The Presidio Branch Library was designed to meet LEED Silver certification. This shows its commitment to sustainability.
San Francisco’s seventh and last Carnegie library sits on a generous lot. It extends through its city block. Landscaping was directed by John McLaren. Initially, rising costs threatened to exceed the Carnegie allotment. A wrought iron fence was added to protect the McLaren landscaping.
Today, the Presidio Branch Library also houses the city’s Library for the Blind. This branch has served the community for over a century. The Presidio Branch Library continues to be a place for learning, discovery, and community engagement. It preserves its rich history. It embraces the future.